From Theatre Literature to Business Innovation: My EDHEC Journey

As a student majoring in Theatre and Film Literature with a passion for culture and creativity, Yao Yuan decided to pursue the MSc in Creative Business & Social Innovation at EDHEC Business School in 2024. Through her interaction with EDHEC, she not only secured a scholarship that alleviated financial pressure but also deeply experienced French culture and social ambiance. Here, let’s explore her application journey and the experiences she has had in her studies and daily life.

Before joining EDHEC, what was your undergraduate major?

My major was Theatre and Film Literature. During my senior year of high school, the head of the grade noticed my love for writing, photography, and watching films, and that I had produced promotional videos for the school. He recommended that I apply for this major.

This major emphasises the expression and dissemination of cultural creativity, which aligns with the core philosophy of the MSc in Creative Business & Social Innovation that I’m currently pursuing. In the business world, how to use creative expression to attract more people to participate in business activities is crucial. Furthermore, beyond profitability, whether these business activities can create positive social impacts has always been a topic I care about. I have always been passionate about the fusion and balance between culture, art, and business.

Why did you choose to join EDHEC?

I decided to pursue a master’s degree after working for a while, and there were two main reasons I chose EDHEC.

First, the school offered me a generous scholarship, which eased my financial burden.

Second, EDHEC is ranked first in France for career services and alumni networks (MiM FT 2024), which is very helpful for my career planning and future development.

Why did you choose your current MSc programme?

Initially, I applied for the Marketing Management programme because I was working in marketing at a cultural startup at the time. However, Ms. Cai Yuting, who is responsible for international admissions, suggested that my background was more suited to the Creative Business & Social Innovation programme. After reading the programme description, I understood her perspective, as the programme’s primary goal is to “cultivate practical skills and design creative strategies for success in the creative economy,” which aligns with my entrepreneurial background. This programme allows me to link my previous experience to my future career development from a more comprehensive strategic and practical perspective.

Was the scholarship application process complicated?

Not at all. You just need to submit a motivation letter explaining why you believe you're the right candidate, why you need the scholarship, and what you can contribute to the Chinese alumni community. Additionally, having experience in content creation and social media management is a plus.

How did receiving this scholarship benefit you?

Receiving the scholarship undoubtedly relieved my financial burden, and it also gave me the opportunity to meet many outstanding alumni.

What was your first impression of EDHEC when you arrived?

My first impression of EDHEC was that this business school truly lives up to its reputation. 

The school actively organises various orientation and social activities to help us break down social barriers. 

The career centre consistently provides resume revision services and arranges various job fairs. The entire master’s programme is designed around a dual-track approach to course learning and career development, which perfectly met my expectations.

What is the teaching method and content like in your master's programme?

In the "Project Management" course, we collaborate with local professionals in the French cultural sector, diving into real business activities to understand the industry ecosystem while learning team collaboration and project management skills. When we encounter problems, the professors and company leaders discuss solutions with us to help move the project forward. This practice-driven teaching approach left a deep impression on me.

Have you had any interactions with teachers and staff? What did you discuss?

At EDHEC’s pre-departure event in Shanghai, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Pan Sisi, who is the head of EDHEC China and also a graduate of the Creative Business and Social Innovation programme. She generously shared her own academic and career experiences and offered me highly targeted advice based on my educational background and work experience. For example, she suggested that I focus on a few specific courses in the upcoming curriculum, how to quickly grow in a cross-cultural environment and integrate into French society, and how to keep an open mind to connect various resources for future career development. This sincere and selfless support helped me clarify my goals and boosted my confidence before heading to France.

Through classroom interactions and orientation activities, have you met students from different countries?

During the orientation, there was a session called "Learn My Name," where we were randomly grouped to break the ice with pre-set questions. This setup allowed us to quickly interact with students from different countries. I vividly remember one question: "What makes you happy?" Some people mentioned their pets, others talked about listening to music, watching movies, or going for walks, while some even mentioned their girlfriends. This kind of personal sharing immediately brought us closer.

What are your impressions of the Lille campus?

The Lille campus buildings and scenery are truly stunning, and the campus cat, Gustave, is incredibly adorable. Running into him always brings good luck for the day!

The school has set up numerous student lounges in different areas, allowing students to study and discuss anytime and anywhere. This open-style shared space greatly alleviates the monotony of studying in classrooms. On sunny days, sitting on the big lawn, enjoying the sunshine, and chatting with classmates is a very French and relaxing experience.

When you first arrived in France, did you find it easy to adapt to life and study?

The biggest challenge I faced here was applying for housing subsidies, medical insurance, and other complicated administrative procedures. In this regard, I would advise students who encounter issues to directly seek help from EDHEC’s international student office (ISO). They are very patient and responsible and can offer targeted advice based on your specific situation, which is far more efficient than browsing various guides or listening to advice from senior students.

What are your future plans and aspirations?

In the coming year, I hope to leverage EDHEC’s platform to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and brand markets in France and Europe while considering how to combine my past experiences with these markets to open more career development paths. At the same time, I also hope to fully experience the social atmosphere of Europe, make friends with classmates from diverse backgrounds, and enrich my life experiences, broadening my worldview to make it more open and inclusive.

What advice do you have for students interested in applying for your programme?

I believe the most important thing during the application process is having a clear understanding of yourself, demonstrating your initiative to explore and face challenges, and showing a growth mindset that isn't afraid of failure.

The process is not always smooth, and it is unlikely to be entirely clear from the beginning. However, as you gradually reflect on each key moment in your life, your true direction will emerge, and you can convey this to the admissions officers through each interview and communication.

If you are passionate about fields like culture, art, and creativity, I encourage you to apply boldly and share your unique life story. After arriving at EDHEC, you will meet many classmates and teachers with similar traits. As we often say in China, everything is destined to happen for a reason.